National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2003

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Part II

The President

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Proclamation 7706--National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2003

Executive Order 13316--Continuance of Certain Federal Advisory
Committees

Order of September 17, 2003--Designation Under Executive Order 12958

Proclamation 7707--National POW/MIA Recognition Day, 2003

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7706 of September 17, 2003

National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America's diversity has always been a great strength of
our Nation. As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage
Month, we recognize and applaud the extraordinary
accomplishments of Hispanic Americans.

From America's beginning, Hispanic Americans have
served as leaders in business, government, law,
science, athletics, the arts, and many other fields. In
1822, Joseph Marion Hern[aacute]ndez became the first
Hispanic to serve as a member of the United States
Congress, representing the newly established territory
of Florida. Businessman Roberto Goizueta, a refugee
from Cuba who rose to become the CEO of one of
America's largest corporations, is an inspiring example
of what immigrants to America can achieve through hard
work and character. Presidential Medal of Freedom
recipient Roberto Clemente's athletic skills,
generosity, and charity made him a legend on and off
the baseball field. Through memorable recordings and
performances, singer Celia Cruz celebrated her heritage
and helped introduce salsa music to the United States.

Hispanic Americans have sacrificed in defense of this
Nation's freedom, serving in every major American
conflict. More than three dozen Hispanic Americans have
earned the Medal of Honor. Today, more than 125,000
Hispanic Americans serve in the Armed Forces,
approximately 9 percent of our active-duty military. As
we work to advance peace, freedom, and opportunity
abroad, we are grateful to all of the brave men and
women who serve our Nation, and to their families.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, I join with all
Americans in recognizing the many contributions of
Hispanic Americans to the United States, and in
celebrating Hispanic heritage and culture. To honor the
achievements of Hispanic Americans, the Congress, by
Public Law 100-402 as amended, has authorized and
requested the President to issue annually a
proclamation designating September 15 through October
15, as ``National Hispanic Heritage Month.''

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim September
15 through October 15, 2003, as National Hispanic
Heritage Month. I call upon public officials,
educators, librarians, and all the people of the United
States to observe this month with appropriate
ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord
two thousand three, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.

(Presidential Sig.)B